Air Boss
$255.00

In Stock

In stock orders ship same day if received by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time!

One Bag Travel! Air Boss.

The only carry-on bag you'll ever need.

Designed for the business traveler, the popular five star-rated carry-on travel bag is a must-have for anyone who enjoys the many advantages of traveling light: freedom of movement, less time wasted waiting in lines, no lost luggage, easy access, and overall travel simplification. Peruse over 700 customer reviews right here from hundreds of satisfied Air Boss Carry-on customers to get an honest idea if this is the best travel bag for you.

EXPERT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.
Follow the link to learn Doug Dyment's bundle wrapping technique so you can fit everything you need and nothing you don't in your Air Boss airline carry-on bag to become a more organized happier traveller. Thanks to guideance from Onebag.com, here's a fantastic luggage packing diagram, showing you how to easily "bundle wrap" your clothing in the Air Boss.

WRINKLE-FREE TRAVEL.
Designed with three large main compartments, our Air Boss carry-on bag also features two outside zippered pockets; one full-length, one for your airline tickets, an outside sleeve pocket, and tie downs inside the two outer compartments to keep your belongings in position and wrinkle-free until you can unpack and hang them up at your destination.

A SPACIOUS PLACE FOR YOUR BELONGINGS.
The center compartment is spacious enough to hold your Toiletries, extra shoes, work-out gear, business briefcase, etc. Volara closed-cell foam padding is sewn into the sides, so you've got a rigid, yet flexible, piece of carry-on luggage that still protects your valuable belongings.

NEVER SLIPS OFF.
Includes detachable nonslip Claw Shoulder Strap that keeps your bag where you want it - on your shoulder.

DISCOVER HOW TO PACK IT.
Watch the Air Boss Packing Video posted in the Videos tab at left where Red Oxx Ambassador Kasey Austin shows how to use many of the bag's thoughtful features.

PROTECT YOUR LAPTOP.
Looking for extra protection for your laptop? A neoprene laptop sleeve is recommended. A "macho" option is to put it in a Metro Briefcase, which will then fit in the center compartment of the Air Boss, adding further protection and giving you a "one bag" travel option...with two bags inside one. Note that this can become a very heavy bag to carry if you decide to try this. Adding an extra Claw Shoulder Strap from your Metro and then carrying the Air Boss "backpack style" (one strap over each shoulder) can help offset this added load.

A BUSINESS TRAVEL BAG BUILT LIKE A TANK?
Our customers like to define our gear as "built like a tank". While obviously you're not going to be toting around bags that weigh 50 tons and have three inches of armor plate, still the comparison is valid. For a carry-on bag, the Air Boss is built tough. Starting with the most durable, flexible, and practical textile material available -- 1000 weight CORDURA® Brand Nylon, the Air Boss is built using super-strong UV-resistant thread that's stitched into every seam.

BOUND AND BAGGED.
Places where two separate pieces of fabric are stitched together are then bound -- that is, we take a long piece of one-inch wide nylon webbing and fold it over the edges of the two pieces and stitch them together, this creates a strong seam, known as a binding, that prevents the pieces from unraveling on the inside of the bag, or gives it a clean, finished look if on the outside of the bag.

BINDING INSIDE / BINDING OUTSIDE.
In addition, each exposed outside fabric edge, such as on a pocket flap, is also bound using a thicker binding material. Inside edges typically receive a thinner nylon webbing, whereas outside corner edges that are exposed to heavy wear have a thicker nylon binding. All of our binding material is vertically woven to prevent the fraying, peeling or splitting that you may commonly see in competitors carry-on bags that brag of "binding" their edges.

WHY DOUBLE BOX STITCHING?
Each stress point, such as where the handles attach to the bag, is double box stitched - which is where we get the "double XX" in our name, Red Oxx; a stitching practice we adapted from our history as parachute riggers.

MY, WHAT BIG ZIPPERS YOU HAVE!
The reason Red Oxx uses the largest zipper we can afford, the #10 YKK VISLON® zipper, is that they're easily repairable, even in the field; they will hold their place, that is, they "lock"; they are difficult to penetrate, thereby increasing the security of your belongings; they function smoothly in inclement weather, and they can be yanked from a variety of angles without losing teeth or becoming separated.

PUTTING THE HARD IN HARDWARE.
Red Oxx has occasionally been accused of "overdoing" our hardware. But once you've had a cheap piece of plastic "hardware" break in the middle of a busy intersection, airport or other inconvenient locale dumping your precious belongings all over the ground, having a heavy-duty nickel-plated or stainless steel D ring or attachment swivel that weighs just a tiny bit more, or might make a little noise, is a travel companion's confidence builder and peace-of-mind maker. After all, you want to enjoy your journey as best you can. Why worry about having your Air Boss break down?

IS THERE ANOTHER CARRY BAG OPTION?
Looking for a similar carry-on bag but with retractable backpack style shoulder straps? Try our other popular travel bag, the Sky Train.

Join the fleet feet crowd and travel carry-on with the Commander of the ship: the Air Boss!

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!
Due to high demand, you're encouraged to place your order now to get your Air Boss on our production schedule. Your bag will then be shipped in under 14 days. Like retirement, it's worth the wait.

Online orders will receive an order confirmation email, a UPS tracking information email when your order ships and a product review request follow-up email eight weeks after delivery. In addition, backorders beyond a dozen working days may receive an order follow-up assurance email. During checkout purchasers have the option to opt-out of our quartly email newsletter. Your email address is always secure.

Air Boss Trivia:On the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, the Air Boss is in charge of all the operations of the flight deck. He controls the moving of planes on deck, landing of aircraft, launching aircraft, ordinance handling, and safety of all the personnel occupying the flight deck. The Air Boss oversees from the command tower. Orders are communicated with the flight deck via megaphone. Ex: "Hey brownshirt. Get out of that checked baggage line and on the plane, now!"

I bought an AirBoss (blue) in 2010 in response to the raves on the OneBag site. My son saw it and asked for his own (navy) for Christmas 2012. Then with my daughter going abroad to study, she asked for one to complement her red rolling suitcase; the AirBoss sits nicely atop the roller, and also serves as a weekend bag.

I've used mine on many trips, as carryon and checked bag; it carries a ton of clothes and other gear (laptop, books, etc.). No real signs of wear. My only reservation is that it's not an easy bag to live out of--better if you can unpack and hang or store your stuff. But for getting to your destination--including that last mile on foot--it's hard to beat.

Outstanding

By mspeed, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, November 17, 2013

I needed a carry-on bag meeting international limits, but didn’t want the clunky, hard-sided wheeled variety. I was hesitant to buy on line, but I couldn’t find anything that met my criteria elsewhere. So after reading many, many luggage reviews, I ordered the Air Boss. Delivery was quick and efficient, and I was immediately impressed by the good looks and outstanding craftsmanship. It reeks of quality. After a month-long trip around Greece (including island-hopping on ferries and regional airplanes) and several subsequent weekenders, the bag has come through with flying colours. It is very easy to load into an overhead bin (one of my main requirements). The compartments are very well thought out, and the red lining makes the contents more visible than the standard black, when top-loading the centre compartment. Nice looking, too. The cinch straps in the outside compartments keep skirts and blouses from arriving wrinkled. The padding means I can slip my laptop safely into the centre compartment for trips where weight is not an issue.

The only suggestion I would make (and it is minor) would be to allow locks to hook to the zipper-pulls closer to the bag. Normally, of course, one would not use locks, but on one of my flights the plane had some cargo issues and it seemed the bag would have to be checked. Attaching TSA locks to the zippers was a little awkward; they stuck out a bit. On the other hand, this was an unusual situation, and I suspect I’m not the norm in carrying around extra TSA locks “just in case”.

The bag has travelled a lot of miles already, and still looks brand new. To paraphrase Elton John, “I think it’s gonna last a long long time.”

This is an outstanding piece of luggage, and I’m patting myself on the back for choosing it. Makes me look like a seasoned traveller—with very good taste.

Revolutionary

By John C, New York City, November 14, 2013

Found the airboss based on the onebag website. For me it involved a whole new way of packing. I'd been rolling my stuff in a wheeling bag for decades. I've now taken 3 trips with this bag and i'm sold. it's gone to Hong Kong (six day trip), California, and Boston. My clothes fit easily, even though i'm 6'6" tall, and it's no problem to carry it on the shoulder. Super easy to fit in overhead bins. Very well made. I've already convinced one of my pals to get one as well, and i'm sure there will be more.

More versatile than described

By Gavin, Sydney, Australia, November 2, 2013

I ordered the Air Boss for the sole purpose of business travel and adhering to the ‘one bag’ philosophy. I have used the bag twice for business trips to towns in rural New South Wales

We generally travel on smaller planes and the Air Boss performs perfectly. I wish I had discovered this bag years ago as it would have made travelling much simpler. The bag is perfect for my 3-4 day trips, but you could easily travel on extended trips with this bag.

Little did I realise, the Air Boss is also perfect for 4x4ing and outback trips. The bag is easily strong enough to handle long dusty trips and the same compartments that serve business folks so well are nicely organised for campers too.

I am heading off on a 3 week 4x4 tour of Tasmania over Christmas and I the only bag I will be taking is the Air Boss!

Thanks guys

Gavin

Travelling a lot

By Durlon, Bedford, Tx, October 31, 2013

I travel for work on average 2 to 3 times a week. Usually just an overnight trip. But I do have paperwork, my clothes and essentials that I must bring with me. These bags have simplified my travels immensely. I used to carry 4 bags, with my electronics, clothes, paperwork etc...Flying was a pain carrying all that around.

Now I've cut it all down to two bags, the Air Boss, and the CPA Briefcase and I'm good to go. I can carry everything and I don't have to check my bags anymore. I don't have to worry about a bag being lost in transit (which has happened to me several times).

It's sturdy, seems to be very well made. I think these bags are going to last me a long time. The shoulder strap could be a little wider for me, but the no-slip is amazing. Even with both bags over my shoulder I don't have to worry about them sliding off my shoulder.

Almost perfect bag

By Joel, california, October 25, 2013

I used this bag on a 2 1/2 week trip to Japan and Hawaii. I needed clothes for a variety of weather: hot/cool/dry/wet.

At 21 1/2 lbs total weight it was close to the max I wanted to carry, but it worked well and held everything. On a shorter trip I could have kept the weight down to maybe 16-18 lbs, which would be easier to carry around on public transport. The 3 compartment arrangement worked well.

I did use the Tom Bihn strap rather than the Claw, simply because I knew I would sling the bag cross-body for any extended walking so the great grip of the Claw wouldn't be needed, and the TB strap was lighter and a bit more comfortable.

What would I change?

Just in case I need to check-in the bag (I didn't) it would be nice if the zippers were of the style where a TSA lock could connect the 2 handles at the base rather than at the tag end as the current design has it. This would allow the lock to hang closer to the bag and be less likely to get snagged on the conveyor belts, etc.

And of course a small loop on which to hang keys would be nice (yes, you have the accessory pin key holder, but that just leaves another connection point which could result in a lost key).

A great bag. Small enough to be carryon for international flights. Excellently made, of course.

Superlative Piece of Luggage

By Martin, Missouri, October 17, 2013

For a number of years, I have been doing the "one-bag" method for travel. I had an old Samsonite carry-on bag, similar in size to the Air Boss. That poor bag had seen better days, but it did it's job, after a fashion, on many trips domestic and abroad.

I was preparing to go to Spain, to propose to my now fiance, and it was clear I needed a new bag. Being the frugal sort, I had some reservations about spending over $200 on a simple carry-on bag, but I bit the bullet and decided to buy the Air Boss, based on numerous positive reviews.

When I ordered, nearly every color was out of stock and I needed the bag quickly, so I chose one of (I think) two colors in stock, which was the Safari design. I wasn't sure how I would like the color scheme, but fashion isn't that important to me. However, I do like it; it has sort of a military look, all business I guess one would say.

The bag came quickly, and I was immediately impressed with the quality of construction. While not heavy in weight, the fabric is tough. Beefy snaps, heavy duty zippers, and straps and handles that are stronger than automotive seat belts complete the package. Even the luggage tag is heavy duty. I imagine one could slice through the side with a sharp knife, but the rest of it seems indestructible in a practical sense.

I packed enough clothes for a two-week trip and had room to spare. Granted, I pack light and have lightweight, quick-drying clothes for travel, but I could have packed my regular clothes just as easily.

Going through the airport with this bag was a great experience. The "claw" shoulder strap functioned better than advertised. I didn't realize how poorly the strap from my old Samsonite bag functioned. I was able to just hang this bag on my shoulder and forget about it.

One thing I very much appreciated was that after emptying the bag, it lies very flat. It slides easily under a bed for storage. My old bag had a hard bottom and it was less convenient to store.

The red lining was a nice touch. I was skeptical that it made any difference, but after having an all-black bag, I found Red Oxx is right that the red lining makes a big difference in sorting through one's items.

Being an objective sort, I would like to list the negatives of the bag. However, I cannot think of a single one. Everything said on this website about the bag is completely accurate. Obviously, this is one of the best engineered carry-on bags ever made. It's over-engineered, overbuilt -- I know I will never have to buy another bag. Superlative is indeed the appropriate descriptor.

Weekend Getaway

By All Stage and Sound, Maryland, October 10, 2013

This is perfect for my wife and I. She gets one side and I get the other side for our clothes. This leaves the middle part for our toiletries and anything else. Its the perfect size for us. We both don't have to carry bags. The carry strap is super comfortable. The handle is comfortable. The side pockets are very useful for phone chargers and kindle type devises. Finally this thing is never going to break or rip. Never. You get what you pay for!

Great bag, but I don't use it as much any more

By AS, NJ, October 5, 2013

I must admit I don't this bag as much anymore. I bought this bag before I got married, and used it exclusively for my carryon. But after marriage, since my wife uses a rolling suitecase, I usually do it.

Plus, this bag can get heavy carrying it across large airports like Dubai.

In any case, I still use the bag for short 4 day trips where we drive because it can pack a lot while offering plenty of organization. So although I hardly use it for air travel anymore, it still sees monthly action. Plus, it's easy to squeeze into my car's small trunk.

I've used this bag in South East Asia, Hawaii, California, Florida, the Bahamas, and many other places in the continental US. Like everyone else's reviews, I've had no trouble fitting it into carryon space.

I also have some other products, including the Market Tote, Lil Roy, Travel Basket/Tray, the XS Aviator. Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of the XS Aviator, and I think it's one of best bags from any manufacturer.

My personal reason for really appreciating my AirBoss is that I lived out of it for a period of 6 weeks. When my wife was hospitalized and in between the hospital and in-patient rehab, I lived out of the AirBoss for 6 weeks. I also had the XS Aviator which I used for food and medical supplies, but it acted mostly as a storage bag. Fortunately, I could do laundry whenever needed. The AirBoss was great, as I was able to keep plenty of clothes separated between the three compartments. I mainly put dirty clothes in one outside section, and used the center for toiletries, shoes, laptop, and a DSLR. The other outside section held the clean clothes. The narrow zip slip pocket was used to keep receipts and records of medical expenses. The large side zip pocket held medical papers. I also used the XS Aviator to carry heavy loads and items like cans of food and bottles of water.

During the 6 weeks, I also ended up buying a lightweight nylon ripstop packable duffel from another company which was used to store dirty clothes (or be packed away in minimal space until needed). However, the build quality of the Redoxx gear was much better.

Anyways, that's the reason I appreciate the AirBoss. I relied upon it at the most critical time of my life, and it didn't disappoint.

Thank you Redoxx team. You helped me out.

as promised

By Rotcoddam, Virginia, USA, September 26, 2013

Worked as well as promised in the various on line reviews and the product web site. A great bag that fit easily in any overhead compartment due to the soft sides and lack of wheels. I did underestimate how heavy it would get when carrying it a while. The shoulder strap really was great, but still my shoulder ached after carrying it for a half hour or so. I did find that by sliding the strap so that the weight of the bag was in front of my hip I could stand up straighter and this helped my back. With the case more to the rear, I had to lean forward to balance. Of course, I weigh only 145 pounds, so for a bigger guy that might not be an issue. Definitely recommend.

Great bag!

By Bill, Alabama, September 26, 2013

This is a great bag! I recently took a one week vacation to Aruba and packed all my clothes in my bag so I needed no checked bag. It has become my go-to bag for every trip I make now.

I'm sold

By Anonymous, NE, September 26, 2013

Purchased based on flyertalk reviews/raves. Used it for a family (3) trip to Vegas for 5 days. Using an EC folder and organizing bags, I was able to fit EVERYTHING in this bag. We also toted along two backpacks for diapers, snacks, etc., but the main luggage was only this Air Boss. It was heavy, but manageable. On a leg bag, was able to switch flights; therefore, having this bag eliminated the angst of trying to find room for a fullsize roller.

Best travel bag I have ever used

By Jeff B, Santa Monica, September 20, 2013

Exceeds expectations. This bag is beyond tough and looks great. Zippers are strong and do not slip. Compartments hold more than seems possible. Color options are great. You will not be disappointed. Only two issues--cost us high and availability can be problem. But, this have should last ten years. Worth the wait.

Fantastic gear

By JV, An airport somewhere in the US, September 5, 2013

The perfect bag for me. I have a couple of dozen domestic trips on this bag, most of them of 3-5 day duration. Carried on every time, all manner of aircraft. Plenty of space for casual business, plus some workout gear. I also have the metro briefcase for my 17" laptop, iPad, etc. I love NOT having wheels -- so fast and easy on trains, in planes, in airports, and especially getting across town in NYC. Great bag. Extremely well made and extremely well thought out.

Best Luggage I've EVER or WILL EVER Own

By Benjamin, Boston, MA, July 29, 2013

I am not a tourist! I am a business traveler! I set foot on over sixty airplanes last year, so I know exactly what I want in a carry on. Never before had I found it until I did a search for "best carry on luggage" and this was at the top of the list.

I can easily fit a week's worth of clothes in here, which includes a pair of shoes, two suits, the RedOxx Tri-Fold Shave Kit, the RedOxx travel basket, and much more. If you know how to pack, this is the only bag worth having.

As far as utility goes, it easily fits in the overhead bin and doesn't take up excessive space like those idiotic "rollies" and the rude travelers who inexplicably carry them on. I've never had to gate check this bag...not even on smaller regional jets.

It's also tough and remarkably weatherproof. I personally feel that RedOxx downplays their products' water resistance. This thing has sat in the rain and been lugged through snow more times that I would have liked and nothing inside ever gets wet.

Airboss is the best

By Chris Flanagan, Australia, June 22, 2013

Thank you Red Oxx. The magic of the internet means I can buy the best designed travel goods on the face of the earth, even though I live on the other side of the planet. It makes me want to come and see you in Billings (with my Air Boss in tow, of course). First class products. First class service. 5 stars. I'm recommending you to everyone who will listen. All the other major luggage brands aren't as clever or innovative as you. And thanks to onebag.com for the wisdom.

POOR CHOICE

By Ken Greene, RN, Phoenix, June 10, 2013

I travel a TON, and this is probably the worst choice for a carry-on that I have ever had. Limited amount of pockets and lugging this bag around your neck is a terrible idea. Used once and now since the very restrictive return policy prohibits me from returning, I will dump it on eBay. HOW DO YOU EXPECT ANYONE TO KNOW HOW A PRODUCT PERFORMS WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO TRY IT IN THE FIELD? Perhaps that is the "plan" to force people to keep something they do not want.

This Is the One.

By L, Phoenix, AZ, June 7, 2013

Air Boss (safari color) is the best piece of carry-on luggage I have ever owned. It's super lightweight (when empty), rock-solid, and built extremely well. You will not be disappointed -- no problems whatsoever.

I wanted to write a review to comment on people who have changed their bag, but not their bad travel habits... stuffing the bag full ("it's heavy and my back hurts") and are not using bundling techniques. Read Rick Steves' techniques, read onebag.com, or take a look at other sites. It's so easy and you will enjoy your trip so much more.

I've got a bad back and I'm over six feet... and I've had no issues.

I'll buy more bags from RedOxx. 100% worth every penny.

successful purchase

By Michael Wardle, Northern Ontario, Canada, June 7, 2013

Just used the bag on an extended trip to France and England. It did really well on both plane and train despite being overly full. Liked the protection it gave for my laptop. Will up date in a year.

SMART & FUNCTIONAL

By I.ERICSSON, SURREY, UK, June 4, 2013

I travel a lot through Europe for business and have never managed to find a bag which is big enough to carry what i need to take with me but small enough to get in as cabin baggage. I also need it to accomodate a laptop bag. The air boss does this easily - functionally it is great, design wise it is equally impressive and the customer service was brilliant. A great product supplied by a great company.

Red Oxx "No Bull" Warranty

As time rolls a ceaseless course, only the genuine guarantee remains. The mountains will persist, the oceans are bound to endure and Red Oxx will continue to be rugged, reliable, and tough.

To the depths of the Amazon basin to the peaks of the Himilayas, Red Oxx Manufacturing is infallible.

Red Oxx Bags are guaranteed forever, be sure to include them in your will.

Made in U.S.A.

Red Oxx Bags are handcrafted in Billings, Montana. U.S.A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Air Boss carry-on legal?
Yes, the Air Boss is carry-on legal on most jet airlines.

What's the best way to pack the Air Boss?
The bundle packing method is recommended. Watch the packing video under the Videos tab or download the printable Air Boss luggage packing diagram (Pdf file).

What's the difference between the Air Boss and the Sky Train?
There are two principle differences between the Air Boss and the Sky Train: The Sky Train has retractable backpack straps and opens flat lengthwise whereas the Air Boss opens flat like a book.

Will the Air Boss fit under the seat in front of me?
Cramming your Air Boss under the seat is not recommended.

Will the Eagle Creek packing cubes fit the Air Boss?
Why not use our Nomad Shave Kit, Lil Roy Gadget Bag or Tri-fold Toiletry bag as packing cubes? You can color co-ordinate them to your preference and they come with useful carry handles. The Tri-Fold Toiletry Kit is also a brilliant shave kit organizer due to its three individual zippered mesh pockets and unique fold-open-flat hanging design.

How many pounds will the Air Boss weigh when packed?
It depends on what you pack. A typical 3-5 day load will weigh about 20-25 pounds.

How many days of travel can I fit in the Air Boss Carry-on?
Most travelers can get about 3-5 days with a typical load. Some adventurous types have been able to pack from a week to ten days! It all depends on how you pack and what you pack.

Where do I pack my laptop?
You can use the center compartment. We recommend that you use a padded neoprene sleeve to protect your laptop.

What's the best way to pack footwear?
Sole-to-sole to minimize the dirt and placed in the middle compartment inside a plastic bag.

Can I change the logo color?
Sure. Simply order your favorite color Logo Patch and sew it on yourself. Red Oxx cannot change the patch colors for you.

Can I order a bag without the logo?
Logo Patches are centered using a hole punch. If you remove the patch, there will be a hole in the bag that could cause a snag. Red Oxx cannot build a bag without a logo as this would disrupt the efficiency of the production line. Feel free to use a permanent marker to color the patches.

Is there a way to securely lock my bag?
Sure, you can use any TSA approved bag lock or try our Cable Lock for a simple, semi-secure solution. Watch this video where CEO Jim Markel demonstrates how you can use the cable that comes with the product Dog Tag price tag to secure your bag. Keep in mind, any determined thief can still cut open a soft sided bag with a sharp knife.

Are there any interior pockets?
The Air Boss has three large internal compartments. There are no internal pockets.

My zipper broke. The teeth have separated. Do I send it in for warranty repair?
No need for warranty repair, fix it yourself. Check out this video where CEO Jim Markel shows how easy it is to do it yourself.

Can you ship USPS?
Yes, Red Oxx will ship USPS upon request. Simply state, "Please ship USPS" in the cart comments during checkout and we will adjust your billing accordingly.